Rugged Ford Ka+ Active leads raft of model changes

The Ford Ka+ supermini range is set to grow to embrace a new ‘SUV-inspired’ Active model. The new version gains a rugged exterior look, a raised ride height and new interior finish.

It’s the headline-grabber in a revised range, which sees a diesel engine introduced for the first time, as well as an all-new petrol engine, plus improved technology, including Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.

The Ka+ Active and the rest of the revised models will go on sale later this year. The range now starts at £10,795 – £1,000 more than the current cheapest model.

Ford Ka+ Active

The Ka+ will be the second Ford to gain an "Active" trim, following the soon-to-be-launched Fiesta Active. Like that car, it"ll have a rugged exterior look, including wheelarch extensions, black trims for the front and rear bumpers and roof rails.

It"ll also feature alloy wheels not available elsewhere in the Ka+ range, and exclusive ‘Canyon Ridge’ metallic bronze paintwork.

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Inside, the Ka+ Active features special fabric designs for the front and rear seats, plus a leather steering wheel with hazel-coloured stitching. It also carries door sill scuff plates embossed with the ‘Active’ legend and has ‘all-weather’ mats for the driver, passenger and boot to protect from muddy boots.

2018 Ford Ka+ range

The new Ford Ka+ will see a raft of changes across the range later this year. Exterior changes include restyled front and rear bumpers, a new grille with a chrome surround and swept-back headlamps to bring it in line with other recent new Ford models. The standard front foglamps are framed by an additional chrome strip.

Inside, the Ka+ features a new grained finish on the instrument panel and dark charcoal-coloured trim. There are also a number of chrome trims.

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The Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system will be available, although we expect this to be reserved for more expensive trim levels. It allows you to connect a smartphone and access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen.

Other kit available includes automatic headlamps and wipers, a heated windscreen, rear parking sensors, heated seats and a range of safety equipment such as six airbags. Ford’s MyKey, designed to allow parents to set speed and audio volume limits, is also available.

As a result of customer feedback, the boot can now be opened using a switch on the tailgate, as well as by using an interior release lever.

Engines

The 1.2-litre petrol engine is one of our main criticisms of the current Ford Ka+, but a new version could change that. It’s an all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, which promises more pulling power for a more responsive drive, as well as an anticipated 4% fuel-efficiency improvement.

Ford also claims the engine will be smoother and quieter in operation, and CO2 emissions of 117g/km are expected – slightly more than the 114g/km emitted by today’s car.

For the first time, the Ka+ will be offered with a diesel engine, too. The 94bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel is expected to emit 99g/km of CO2, thanks to technology like regenerative charging, which can charge the battery when the car is coasting or braking.